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Big Dave interviews Death Row Records co-founder John Payne. |
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Monday, 08 October 2007 |
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Big Dave had a chat with Death Row Records co-founder John
Payne.
In the world of rap music in the early
to mid nineties there was no bigger record label in hip hop then
Death Row Records, home to names like Dr Dre, Tupac
Shakur and Snoop Dogg. Death Row launched a new style of rap
that would change hip hop culture forever and make icons and
household names of average guys from the streets of Los Angeles.
In the beginning there were just five men that started the label
and a musical revolution that would change a generation of hip
hop heads.
For fans of the West Coast sound and the Death Row label Dr Dre,
Suge Knight and The D.O.C would all be names you know well, but
the fourth John Payne or fifth Michael Harris you may not know
as well. John Payne or “JP,” Sound Engineer and Producer left
Death Row after helping launch some of the biggest careers in
hip hop history. Michael “Harry O” Harris to the best of my
knowledge was an early investor amongst other things and a big
part of making the Death Row vision become a reality. Mr Harris
has been over looked in some retrospective accounts of Death
Row’s history and for the record JP would like us to know he was
a big part of launching the label. “I just want to make sure
Harry O gets his credit He was very important to the launch of
Deathrow” John Payne.
With JP heading to our shores for a few weeks to catch up with
his Aussie mates, talk some music and make some moves I thought
I would catch up with the man so he could fill ozhiphop in
on the days at Death Row, his Music and what he’s up to during
his trip downunder.
Big Dave: Death Row Records has gone down in
history as one of the most successful labels in hip hop and is a
true rags to riches story, can you describe what the vibe was
like in the early days of Death Row around the time when The
Chronic was being put together?
John Parsons (JP): The vibe was harmonious;
everyone contributed to the making of The album. It was to be
the first official Death Row release.
Big Dave: What do you think it was about Death Row that
made it so popular with the fans?
JP: The originality as well as the new artists.
The timing was right
Big Dave: Do you still work with any of your old friends
from them Death Row days or is it a case of all gone separate
ways?
JP: I don’t work with them. We are still cool.
The love is still there. I still consult a few from time to
time.
Big Dave: The past few years has seen an explosion in
the popularity of hip hop down here in Oz and things are still
picking up steam but we are yet to take it to the level that you
guys have in the states - with only one local hip hop group
going platinum so far - what do you think the Australian hip hop
scene needs to help more of us emcee’s pay the rent doing what
we love?
JP: More exposure is needed. More events are
needed to elevate visibility, such as conventions, festivals,
Award Shows. This will help others to take Notice as well as
provide stronger presence of urban music. You have to elevate
your exposure in your country and then the world will take
notice. Hip Hop TV is doing a good job of exposing Hip Hop.
Big Dave: From the talented rappers and producers we
have both here and in New Zealand that you have heard, who would
you say in your opinion has stood out above the rest?
JP: Anyone original will always stand out.
There are many talented artists and producers. They just need to
be heard
Big Dave: So how are you enjoying Oz and what are the
main goals on your trip out here?
JP: I dig the country. To start a label. To
help create exposure and pass on knowledge of the music
business.
Big Dave: As a producer and a sound engineer you have a
lot of the studio game covered - can you tell us about any
artists or projects you have been working on back home?
JP: I have several projects I am involved with
at the moment:
MrHotBox [hip hop]
FreakJuice [hip hop / funk rock ]
Jacqueline Fuentes [latin ]
Siri Dyal Band [rock]
Tygeraa [hip hop]
Check out their myspace pages
Big Dave: What do you think it takes to be a good
producer - is it in the blood or can it be learned?
JP: I don`t think it`s blood related. It can be
learned.
Rhythm cannot be taught…that is internal. You gotta feel it to
make others feel it
Big Dave: Who has been the most talented rapper you feel
you have produced in your long career?
JP: I find them all to be equally talented.
They each had something special.
Big Dave: With the digital market slowly creeping in on
CD sales where do you think the music industry is headed - what
changes can you foresee particularly in hip hop circles?
JP: Eventually there will not be a need for
major record labels. A big label is not needed to be successful.
So therefore a hip hop artist can be a self contained entity.
And basically handle the entire business and production from
home.
Big Dave: To finish up what’s one place you have to see
while you’re in Australia?
JP: It’s not really a place that I have to see.
What I have to see are my plans for music in Australia to be
accomplished. Then I can see everything.
Interview by David "Big Dave" Parsons
©2007 OzHipHop – No part of this interview can be used
without permission from the Webmaster. |
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